Agricultural Scientist - Soil Health Specialist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Conference attendance

Professional development

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil Health to lead field and laboratory research on soil health indicators in George, Western Cape. You will design trials, interpret complex data, and translate findings into practical soil management recommendations for farmers and agribusinesses.

You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, publish findings in scientific venues, and contribute to grant proposals while advancing sustainable agriculture and soil

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on research experience in soil science.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a track record of scientific publication.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to assess soil health indicators.
• Analyze soil samples for nutrient content, organic matter, microbial activity, and structural integrity.
• Develop and evaluate best practices for soil conservation, erosion control, and fertility management.
• Research and promote the use of cover crops, compost, and other organic amendments.
• Provide technical advice and training to farmers and agricultural stakeholders on soil health management.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific developments in soil science and sustainable agriculture.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on grant proposals and research projects.

Skills

Soil health

Soil physics

Soil chemistry

Soil biology

Statistical analysis

Science writing

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Master's in related field

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural research institute based in George, Western Cape , is looking for an accomplished Agricultural Scientist specializing in Soil Health. This role is integral to developing and promoting sustainable soil management techniques across various agricultural sectors. You will be at the forefront of research, conducting field trials, laboratory analysis, and providing expert consultation to farmers and agricultural businesses. The position demands a rigorous scientific approach, a passion for environmental conservation, and the ability to translate complex research into practical, implementable solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the long‑term health of agricultural land in the Western Cape and beyond, working within a collaborative and innovative research environment. Your expertise will be crucial in addressing challenges related to soil degradation, nutrient management, and carbon sequestration. We are seeking a dedicated professional committed to advancing the science of sustainable agriculture through meticulous research and effective knowledge transfer.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to assess soil health indicators.
• Analyze soil samples for nutrient content, organic matter, microbial activity, and structural integrity.
• Develop and evaluate best practices for soil conservation, erosion control, and fertility management.
• Research and promote the use of cover crops, compost, and other organic amendments.
• Provide technical advice and training to farmers and agricultural stakeholders on soil health management.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific developments in soil science and sustainable agriculture.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on grant proposals and research projects.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on research experience in soil science, with a strong focus on soil health.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Experience with statistical analysis software and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publication.
• Ability to design and manage complex research projects independently.
• Experience working with agricultural producers and understanding their needs.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the George, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• This position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package
• Health insurance
• A retirement fund
• Opportunities for further academic and professional development
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and supports attendance at leading international scientific conferences.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, offering a stimulating work environment for passionate scientists.